The recent announcement regarding the transfer of the Malta Film Commission from the Ministry of Tourism to the Ministry of National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government has taken many by surprise, including MEIA, the Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association. This decision, which came shortly after our previous statement, marks a significant shift in the governance of the film sector in Malta.

MEIA welcomes this transition as it presents an opportunity to create a more cohesive and unified approach.By aligning the Malta Film Commission with the Ministry of National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government, we anticipate a more integrated strategy that can better support the diverse needs of the industry. This move is expected to reduce fragmentation within the sector and hopefully foster collaboration among stakeholders.While we are optimistic about this change, we must however reiterate some concerns that we raised in our recent statement directed to Minister Ian Borg. Specifically, we hope to see significant improvements in good governance, transparency, communication and accountability within the Malta Film Commission.

These elements are essential for building trust within the industry and ensuring that all stakeholders have confidence in the processes that govern film production in Malta. We hope that all the issues raised within the NAO report are also addressed.

We look forward to working closely with Minister Owen Bonnici as he takes on this new responsibility. His leadership will be crucial in addressing current issues within the Malta Film Commission and implementing necessary reforms. We believe that through open dialogue and collaboration, we can tackle existing challenges as well as look out for opportunities to create a more robust, cohesive and sustainble framework for film production in Malta.

Furthermore, MEIA is eager to engage in discussions regarding the development of a comprehensive national Screen Policy. This policy should aim to establish clear guidelines that promote fairness and equity between domestic and international productions. By reducing fragmentation in the sector, we can create a film industry that benefits all stakeholders involved.

In conclusion, while we embrace this shift as a positive step towards strengthening Malta’s film industry, we remain committed to advocating for essential reforms within the Malta Film Commission, as well as work alongside Arts Council Malta for proper implemntation of the Domestic Screen Fund. We are optimistic about the future and look forward to contributing our insights and expertise to its ongoing development.